Angkor Wat: Exploring the Art, Science, and History Behind one of the World's Greatest Religious Sites

Built in the 1100's CE in dedication to the Hindu God Vishnu, Angkor Wat stands as one of the world's greatest achievements in art, architecture, and design. Located in the Siem Reap province of Cambodia and covering an area of 400km2, the Angkor Complex is one of the largest religious sites in the world. Built as the capital of the Khmer Empire by King Suryavarman II, Angkor Wat was once at the heart of an expansive city the size of which would not be seen until the industrial revolution. Now a major tourist destination and a World Heritage Site, Angkor Wat and it's surrounding complex stands as a stunning example of Cambodian art and culture spanning from the 9th to the 15th century. The temple has faced many challenges and changes over the centuries from it's conversion to a Buddhist temple by the end of the 12th century, to the threats posed by the Khmer Rouge in the 20th. European interest in the Temple complex was kindled in the 19th century through the accounts of French explorer Henri Mouhot, which spurred international interest in conservation and archeological investigation of the site. In the modern day these efforts are ongoing, and researchers continue to look for new ways to preserve the site for future generations and to learn more about this incredible structure and the people that built it.